Virtual Private Network (VPN) 101 – and why you need one!

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a piece of software that allows you to surf the internet safely and privately.

A VPN can also unblock restricted content by making your device appear to be in a different location, and it encrypts your data, meaning that your internet activity is kept hidden from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and others.

With the now law, controversial Assistance and Access bill, the number of Australians using VPNs has grown massively.However, before you start using a VPN, it’s important that you know how they work and what benefits and limitations they offer.

How does a VPN work?

A VPN constructs a secure virtual tunnel between your device and a VPN server. Data transmitted from your device to the VPN server is encrypted, making it undecipherable in transit.

The VPN server un-encrypts that data and passes you to the website or app that you’re trying to connect to. In other words, you take a diversion via the VPN server before getting to the target page, though this doesn’t tend to affect your connection speed.

Without a VPN, your ISP can track every site accessed while you surf the internet – they can see where you go out for dinner, what medical symptoms you may have and where you apply for mortgages,work and school.

Benefits of a VPN

1. Encryption & Privacy

As a VPN connection encrypts your data, your ISP will not be able to view your activity online.

There are various types of encryption and transmission methods, known as ‘VPN protocols.’ These vary in effectiveness but, as long as you stay clear of PPTP protocols, you should stay safe online.

Given the differing security levels of various encryption methods, it’s worth doing some research about different VPN providers before you make a decision. There are over one thousand different VPN providers, and they don’t all offer the same level of protection.

2. Restricted Content

Using a VPN allows you to access otherwise restricted content from around the world. That’s because your IP address becomes that of the VPN server, which can be based almost anywhere on Earth.

With a click of a button you can change your virtual location so that you can access American Netflix, BBC Iplayer and more, wherever you are.

However, in recent years there’s been a crackdown from these companies to stop people geo-spoofing, and they now identify and block some VPN remote servers. Many of the best-rated VPN providers can still perform this action.

3. Public Wi-Fi Safety

From public transport and coffee shops to libraries and university campuses,public Wi-Fi has become an integral part of our digital lives. However, despite its convenience, it leaves you at risk from several threats.

Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks are particularly prevalent on unsecured public networks and can lead to the loss of your sensitive data, including online banking details. As a VPN provides end-to-end encryption, your data will remain secure even while using a public Wi-Fi network.

Limitations of a VPN

Understanding VPN Anonymity

Before you download a VPN, it’s important to remember that they don’t make you completely anonymous online. When visiting a website while connected to a VPN server, those websites will take note, or log,the IP address of the VPN server.